GAA’s 1916 Commemorative plans

The GAA is calling on members from all of its clubs and members of the public to join us at Croke Park on Sunday April 24 for the Association’s national 1916 Commemorative Event.

The show, which will take place after the Division One and Two Allianz Football League finals, will present the story of Ireland in a theatrical production that will include the best elements of the Irish cultural entertainment.

It will also highlight the role of Gaelic games and the GAA in the story of Ireland from the earliest days through to the revolutionary period and right up to the present day placing a strong emphasis on the national and international imprint of the Association.

The event has been produced in conjunction with Tyrone Production and will be directed by Ruán Magan.

Further information on the role of club volunteers is available is available through club secretaries.

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “This is a very special day for Cumann Lúthchleas Gael and we would urge all of our members and indeed supporters to join us at Croke Park for what should be a day to remember on the anniversary of the Rising 100 years to the day of this seismic event in Irish history”.

“It is an opportunity for the wider membership of the Association to come together to acknowledge what is a day of national significance and we are pleased to host such an event at Croke Park.”

GAA Director General Páraic Duffy added: “We have contacted every club asking them to nominate a member to join the strong volunteer element of the occasion and we are sure the GAA community will come out in numbers.

“This will be a truly unique event in what is a momentous year for Ireland and we hope that our supporters and members will come from across the island and further afield to share in something we believe will be remembered in years to come.”

“As one of the clearest manifestations of the vision of the Gaelic Revival and the movement towards independence that gave rise to the 1916 Rebellion, the GAA rightly holds a unique place in Irish society.

“Our show, LAOCHRA- The GAA Commemorates 1916 – will celebrate the broadest community of people who have participated in the GAA movement during the century since the Rising while acknowledging the great, rich wealth of Irish culture through the ages.”

John Concannon, Director, Ireland 1916, added: “Citizen engagement and community participation are at the heart of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. The GAA played a hugely significant role in the emergence of modern Ireland and it continues to play a central role in communities across Ireland and abroad today.

“We are delighted the GAA will join us in marking this hugely significant year in Ireland’s history with a special event on April 24. It is fitting that the organisation has chosen to mark the 100 year anniversary of the Rising to the day, by hosting this major event at its headquarters in Croke Park.”

Tickets will be available from the usual sources for an event that is expected to appeal to the wider public.